Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Tracing the roots of Kodava tribe

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

There is opposition to releasing the findings of research

Blood samples of 100 couples to be drawn for DNA tests Kodava tribe is said to be 2,000 years old Research team asked to be cautious while dealing with sensitive issues There is apprehension that research findings may divide the community

Virajpet (Kodagu Dt.) :

Kodagu Natural Sciences Society has launched a unique initiative to trace the origin of Kodavas by ascertaining the ancestry, customs, culture, language and a study of genealogy by the Kodagu Natural Sciences Research Society.

A research professor from Delhi University has drawn 150 blood samples of selected Kodava families for conducting the DNA test. This was revealed at a seminar organised by the Akhila Kodava Samaja here on Friday, attended by representatives of various Kodava Samaj units, prominent Kodavas and office-bearers of society. The significance of the research will be to carry out DNA tests on Kodavas to trace their origin and roots.

Society president Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda said Kodavas inhabited Kodagu 2,000 years ago. The first recorded instance of Kodavas was found in 1174 AD during Hoysala dynasty in the State. Kodava was the only community that accepted the “gotra” system other than non-Muslim and non-Christian communities, he said.

Speaking in favour of tracing the origins of Kodavas, Gen. Nanda said modern scientific inputs gave ample opportunities to take up research work. Along with the DNA test, socio-cultural aspects, somatometry (physical measurements on various attributes) and demography should go hand-in-hand to corroborate the theory. The final report will be submitted to Akhila Kodava Samaja president Matanda.C. Monnappa.

Gen. Nanda said the pilot project started involving nine couples aged between 20 and 40. As many as 100 DNA samples will be drawn from Kodavas living in all parts of Kodagu. The outcome of the study will be kept confidential.

The former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy B.P. Appanna, who did not approve of the idea, said a report on the scientific study on Kodavas can turn out to be sensitive. The principal investigator of the study team is M.A. Abdul Kalam, Department of Anthropology, University of Madras, Chennai, and the project coordinator is Xavier Raj from the Social and Environmental Research Centre, Chennai. The cost estimated for carrying out the study is Rs. 11.80 lakhs.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Jeevan Chinnappa / February 18th, 2006

Nidhi Subbaiah bereaved: loses her father to cancer

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

NidhiSubbaiahKF16jan2018

Actress Nidhi Subbaiah lost her father Bollachanda Subhash Subbaiah on late Sunday night.

The actress, who is currently shooting for the film 5G that is being directed by Yogaraj Bhat protege ‘ Guru Raghavendra, has been shuttling between her shoots in the city and her home in Mysuru to be with her father, who she was very attached too.

Her father was battling cancer lately, we hear.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies> News / TNN / January 24th, 2017

Getting a memorial: War tank reaches ‘Sunny Side’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
A view of the General Thimayya Memorial Bhavana in Madikeri.
A view of the General Thimayya Memorial Bhavana in Madikeri.

The work on converting Sunny Side, the abode of late General K S Thimayya in Madikeri into a memorial has been re-started.

The state government, through the Department of Kannada and Culture, released Rs 2.30 crore for the purpose last week. The memorial is expected to be ready within a few months.

At the same time, a war tank, a long-pending demand, has finally arrived at the ‘Sunny Side’.

Demand for tank

Owing to shortage of fund, the work on converting ‘Sunny Side’ into a memorial could not be taken up. Ex-servicemen have been demanding that a war tank be kept in the museum of ‘Sunny Side’. When the Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat visited Kodagu to unveil the statues of Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimayya on Kaveri College premises in Gonikoppa recently, the ex-servicemen’s association had appealed for the same. The war tank has arrived at Madikeri from Army Training Centre in Pune.

The battle tank “Himath” was used during the India-Pakistan war in 1971. After the completion of the memorial, the war tank will be open for public viewing.

The Nirmiti Kendra has taken up the work on the memorial but will retain the old structure of the house. It is proposed to keep a model of a fighter plane too, and items used by Gen Thimayya while serving the Army, along with war tank, in the memorial.

Funds for memorial

The state government had announced the conversion of the house into a memorial in its budget. Accordingly, the district administration had prepared an estimate for Rs 5.5 crore.

In 2013-14, the government had released Rs 45 lakh. When the state government claimed that it cannot release such a huge amount, the district administration had revised the estimate to Rs 3.70 crore. The state government has so far released Rs 1.45 crore. With the recent release of Rs 2.30 crore, the work is likely to be completed at the earliest, said the Nirmiti Kendra officials.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DH News Service, Madikeri / January 14th, 2018

Army Day 2018: Important Things Students Should Know About Field Marshal KM Cariappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

January 15 is observed every year as Army Day in India.

CariappaKF16jan2018

New Delhi:

January 15 is observed every year as Army Day in India. Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief on this day in 1949. Army day is dedicated to the soldiers who fought to safeguard the country’s honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings on Army Day. PM said, “On Army Day, I convey greetings to the soldiers, veterans and their families”.

“Our Army always puts the nation first. I salute all those great individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. India will never forget our valiant heroes,” he added.

Army Day 2018: Important Things Students Should Know About Field Marshal KM Cariappa
ArmyKF16jan2018

January 15 is observed every year as Army Day in India

Born on 28th January 1900 in Mercara state, now part of Karnataka, Field Marshal KM Cariappa was amongst the first officers to receive the King’s Commission in 1919.

After an outstanding career, he became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949.

A hardcore Infantryman, Field Marshal KM Cariappa was a thorough gentleman who exhibited the highest standards of self discipline and compassion.

He had been a legend in his life time and left an indelible impression that would inspire the people for a long time.

Field Marshal KM Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on 28 April 1986.

He breathed his last in May 1993.

In memory of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the Infantry Directorate at the Army HQ has been organizing the ‘Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture’ every year, since 1995, as part of Infantry Day celebrations.

Gen Dalbir Singh, then Chief of the Army Staff, dedicated a statue of Field Marshal K M Cariappa at the Army Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and rechristened the parade ground as “Cariappa Parade Ground” on December 29, 2016.

Three Service Chiefs paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion of 70th #ArmyDay 2018 #ArmyDay2018@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoDpic.twitter.com/FbAUAAwFY

– ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 15, 2018

source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Section> Education / by NDTV Education Team / January 15th, 2018

Team Coorg shine at Republic Day of India Hockey Festival

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion

Muscat:

Team Coorg overcame Oman Veterans XI to win the top honours in the Republic Day of India Hockey Festival at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.

The annual Festival was organised by Friends of Naqvi Group and Team Coorg under the patronage of Indian Embassy.

In a closely-contested final of the Republic Day of India Trophy, Team Coorg outlasted Oman Veterans XI for a 5-4 victory and to lift the title for the second successive time. Belu Kutappa winning the best player award came as an icing on the cake for the triumphant Team Coorg.

Meanwhile, there was a double delight for Indian School Al Seeb with their boys team winning the Ambassador’s Cup for men after defeating Indian School Maabella and the girls squad lifting the Ambassador’s Cup for women by beating Indian School Maabella.

Chief guest Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey presided over the Festival, which was also graced by Oman Hockey Association chairman Talib Al Wahaibi and former Oman Olympic Committee vice-chairman and chairman of football and athletic associations Sheikh Soud Al Rawahi as guests of honour and Syed Anwar Ahsan, an Oman Cricket official and General Manager of Raha Poly Products, as the special guest.

During the presentation ceremony, the organisers also honoured distinguished personalities from the Indian community, including Dr. Benny Panakkal, eminent cardiologist and Medical Director of Badr Al Saama Hospital, Dr. Satish Nambiar, Chairman of Indian Social Club (ISC), Leena Francis, Principal of Indian School Al Seeb. Indian School Muscat’s musical talent Santrupth Vedanthi and MK Iqbal, famous cricket coach and Ranji Trophy player from Tamil Nadu, and Inayat Naqvi, former national hockey level player from India, were also feted during the ceremony.

Mohammed Noordeen, General Manager of the Future Group of Companies was awarded the trophy and memento for being the main sponsors. The event is co-sponsored Bank Muscat, Raha Poly Products, ROCA (Khimji Ramdas Group), Monalisa Grand Mall, Mohammed Rafiq & Partners, UTSC, Team Coorg Muscat, Pocari Sweat (Muscat Pharmacy), Oasis Water Company, Al Omaniya Financial Services, Oman Hockey Association, Al Ansari Group of Companies and Oman United Insurance.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times News Service / January 14th, 2018

Book on freedom fighter to be released on Jan 15

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

A work on freedom fighter and veteran politician Pandyanda Belliappa, titled ‘Kodagina Gandhi, Pandyanda Belliappa’, will be released at the Kodava Samaja in Ammathi on January 15.

The book has been written by Aithichanda Ramesh Uthappa.

Karnataka Sahitya Academy president Aravinda Malagathi will release the book while Ammathi Kodava Samaja president Mookonda Bose Devaiah will preside over the programme.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Madikeri – January 13th, 2018

Virajpet TP chief and member take part in ‘Grama Vastavya’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders
REACHING OUT: The president of the Virajpet taluk panchayat, Sarita Poonacha (left), sipping coffee at Kolli hadi, a tribal settlement in the Nagarahole National Park in Kodagu.
REACHING OUT: The president of the Virajpet taluk panchayat, Sarita Poonacha (left), sipping coffee at Kolli hadi, a tribal settlement in the Nagarahole National Park in Kodagu.

They stay in the house of a tribal couple overnight at Nagarahole

Madikeri:

The president of the Virajpet Taluk Panchayat, Sarita Poonacha, stayed in Kolli hadi, a tribal settlement, in the Nagarahole National Park on Tuesday as part of the “Grama Vastavya” programme to listen to the grievances of the hapless tribal people, according to information reaching here on Thursday.

This was the first step being initiated by the panchayat to redress the problems being faced by the tribal people, Ms. Poonacha said. J.K. Muthamma, a tribal member in the panchayat, also stayed with Ms. Poonacha. They were offered tuberous roots and honey for supper.

The Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat, Mirza Akbarulla, who along with Ms. Poonacha, heard the grievances of the tribal people, said steps would be taken to redress them in a phased manner.

Replying to a man from the tribal community who alleged that officials only gave promises to them and nothing else, Mr. Akbarulla said his efforts were sincere and that he and other officials would not have visited them during the night if it were otherwise.

J.K. Thimma of the tribal community requested Ms. Poonacha to introduce regular buses to help tribal children reach schools in Kutta, Srimangala, Gonicoppa and other places.

Members of the tribal community also demanded more kerosene and ration under the public distribution system as the existing ration was not sufficient.

Tribal people sang revolutionary songs (Kranti Geete) and performed “Kolata” in the night to showcase their culture.

The deputy secretary of the zilla panchayat, Basavarajappa, executive officers of the Virajpet amd Madikeri taluk panchayats, Nagaraj and Motappa, respectively, and Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department K. Damodar were present.

The officials left while Ms. Poonacha and Ms. Muthama stayed in the house of J.K. Thimma and Bojamma.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / October 30th, 2009

Mumbai: Coorg Association celebrates ‘Puthari’ festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

PuthariKF08jan2018

Mumbai :

Coorg Association which had remained behind the curtains for some time met again and celebrated its 97th annual ‘Puthari festival 2018’ (Harvest festival) here on January 6.

Senior community leader and president of the association, Boppanda Appaji offered prayers to deity Iggutappa and Kaveri and set the celebrations in motion. Games, music, dances and entertainment programmes were held.

Community men and women wore traditional attire. Trustees Pandanda Ramesh, Biddanda Jagdeep Nanjappa, Kuppanda Muddaiah, Napanda Ramesh, Biddanda Lekha Nanjappa, Kallichanda Aiyanna, Manepanda Somaiah and Managing Committee members Boppanda Appaji- president, Pandanda Pushpa – vice president, Kuppanda Kavita – vice president, Bollachettira Mandanna – secretary, Mukkatira Somaiah – joint secretary and Areda Raja – treasurer were present.

Priya M Poovayyag and Kavya M Poovayyag sang a prayer song. Boppanda Appaji welcomed everyone. Pandanda Ramesh and Napanda Ramesh presented the details of the programme. Jaggi Manjayya, Akshay Chengayya, Mukuthira Somayya, Lekha Nanjappa and Nithin Chengayya introduced the guests. Balya Mediririra sang Kodava songs. Others conducted dances and cultural programmes. Honorary secretary Bollachettira Mandanna proposed the vote of thanks.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Mumbai / by Ron Bantwal, Daijiworld Media Network, Mumbai (EP) / January 08th, 2018

Rohan Bopanna serves home-grown brew at Tata Open

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Rohan Bopanna with Ashish D’Abreo (right) and Tej Thammaiah (Express Photo)
Rohan Bopanna with Ashish D’Abreo (right) and Tej Thammaiah (Express Photo)

At the ATP-250 Tata Open Maharashtra underway at Balewadi, Rohan Bopanna makes it a point to be there at the coffee counter where his own coffee brew is being sold.

Rohan Bopanna, coffee connoisseur. Such an introduction may not ring too many bells, but the tennis star not only grows coffee at his farm in Coorg, he also gifts tennis legends the home-grown brew. At the ATP-250 Tata Open Maharashtra underway at Balewadi, Bopanna makes it a point to be there at the coffee counter where his own coffee brew is being sold. “I am truly well-versed in the nuances of cultivation, processing and blending coffee beans,” writes the champion of the 2017 French Open Mixed Doubles on a flyer at the coffee counter.

Earlier, he had announced the launch of the brew — the Rohan Bopanna Master Blend — on Twitter, posting, “I bring to you a very special part of me from my very own coffee estate in Coorg.” Bopanna has joined hands with the Flying Squirrel – a brand involved in micro-lot cultivation and processing coffee using artisan methods — to set up the counter at the Tata Open.

Ashish D’Abreo, who launched Flying Squirrel with his college friend Tej Thammaiah, says the response to Rohan Bopanna Master Blend has been quite positive. D’Abreo and Thammaiah have been blending, roasting and brewing coffee beans for over five years. “We roast the coffee for 15 minutes before sealing each pack,” says D’Abreo. He then shares some important information for those who enjoy filter coffee: it has to be consumed within a month of roasting.

“Tej owns a coffee estate at Pollibetta in Coorg. So, we experimented with the beans at Tej’s estate… we developed and processed them to arrive at different variants of the coffee,” says D’Abreo. Today, they supply coffee powder online and have also set up a cafe at Bengaluru. It was during a meeting with Rohan Bopanna, which took place over a month ago, that they realised their common goals and decided to experiment with the coffee beans grown at Bopanna’s farm at Madapur in Coorg.

The first variant, Rohan Bopanna’s Master Blend, was launched on January 1. “It is an all Arabica variant, comprising a few differently processed beans, all of them from Bopanna’s farm,” says D’Abreo. He shared that when world no. 6 Croatian Marin Cilic visited the counter with Bopanna, he tasted the coffee while posing for fans. For Nilufer Solai, who came from Mumbai to watch her favourite tennis players in action, the coffee counter was a hit. “…I could buy the beans and have some refreshing coffee,” she says.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Anuradha Mascarenhas / Pune / January 05th, 2018

CM’s upcoming visit creates sensation in Kodagu DCC

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Backstage activities are in full swing for the district Congress members, as the day of the visit of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other ministers, is nearing.

The chief minister’s visit to the district ahead of Assembly elections is considered significant.

The chief minister and other ministers will take part in the ‘Sadhana Sambhrama’ programme to be held at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Madikeri on January 9. The upcoming visit of the chief minister has sprouted many expectations in the minds of the Congress workers. Even as the programme in which the chief minister will attend is a government programme, the discussions on the elections preparations are likely to take place in party cadres.

Siddaramaiah will arrive in Madikeri at 11.30 even though the programme is scheduled at 3.30- pm.

Tough contest for tickets

The names of candidates for Madikeri and Virajpet seats are still not finalised and many ticket aspirants are waiting in the wings. The related issues are most likely to come up in the internal meeting of the party, during the chief minister’s visit.

As MLC Veena Acchaiah has expressed her unwillingness to contest in the elections, the competition for the ticket from Virajpet constituency has turned tougher. B T Pradeep, who contested from the constituency during the last elections, had lost by 3,414 votes. Rumour has it that a search for an able candidate is on, after Pradeep’s demise.

Forest Development Corporation vice president Padmini Ponnappa, minister M R Seetharam’s personal secretary Harihs Bopanna, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy former chairperson B S Thammaiah, Zilla Panchayat member Saritha Poonaccha and District Congress Committee president Shivu Madappa are the main aspirants from Virajpet.

Many more are eyeing the Madikeri constituency. The names of the Somwarpet Block Congress president K M Lokesh, entrepreneur Napanda Muttappa and advocate Chandramouli are surfacing in this context. KPCC general secretary and Zilla Panchayat member K P Chandrakala too, is willing to contest. Kumuda Dharmappa has already approached the High Command for the ticket, according to party sources.

Siddaramaiah is likely to talk to the Congress workers, before finalising the names of candidates.

Agitations for separate taluks

Agitations for the formation of Cauvery and Ponnampet taluks, which are going on from the last 125 days, are likely to have an impact on the chief minister’s visit.

The protesters have been demanding the announcement of the two hoblis as new taluks. Three bandhs have already been conducted in Kushalnagar. The agitators have been looking forward to their demands being fulfilled with the chief minister’s visit.

The newly announced 50 taluks will function officially in the next 15 days.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DH News Service / Aditya K A / January 04th, 2018